Frederic Malle Vétiver Extraordinaire Eau de Parfum, 50ml at John Lewis & Partners

Highly unusual with its overdose of vetiver (close to 25 percent, three times as much as contained in other vetiver perfumes), Vétiver Extraordinaire has sparked new enthusiasm for this classic men's fragrance category.

Here Dominique Ropion introduces a new essence of Haitian vetiver, stripped of its bitter edge, which he matches with five woody notes to play up the scent's various facets.

The result is surprisingly fresh, crisp and harmonious. A thoroughly polished, nearly purified note to express the essence of a vetiver without ever following the easy road.